Don’t Miss Your Oral Cancer Screening

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, the best way to reduce the numbers of oral cancer-related deaths annually is receiving regular screenings. It is a simple, safe, and comfortable procedure that could save your life. The dental office of Dr. Al Gulum in Fresh Meadows, NY is proud to offer this service to help maintain our patients’ oral health.

The importance of screening

Oral diseases, unlike diseases that occur in other areas of the body, often do not present symptoms until they have reached an advanced stage. For conditions such as tooth decay or gum disease, regular dental exams can catch signs of trouble. Oral cancer screenings check for signs of oral cancer before the condition progresses.

How are oral cancer screenings performed?

A screening is quick and comfortable. It most cases, it takes just a few minutes and you might not even realize that you’ve been screened because of how
unobtrusive it is. Your dentist will examine your smile visually and manually to look for warning signs of oral cancer. These include:

Changes to the color or texture of the soft tissue

Lumps or bums in the soft tissue

Sores in the soft tissue that do not heal

Difficulty swallowing or chronic hoarse voice

Swelling or inflammation in the lymph nodes

In addition to the physical exam, your dentist may ask you a number of questions to better determine whether or not you have been experiencing symptoms of oral cancers that might not be visible. He may ask you about a sore throat, hoarseness and other changes in voice, as well as bad tastes in the mouth.

Benefits of oral cancer screening

Research has found that earlier diagnosis is the key to reducing the occurrence of cancer-related deaths each year, and regular screenings are the key to early diagnosis. You simply need to visit a trusted dentist who offers oral cancer screenings every six months and you will dramatically increase your chances of receiving a diagnosis of oral cancer in its earliest – most treatable – stages.

If you are concerned about your oral health, contact the offices of Dr. Al Gulum in Fresh Meadows, NY to make an appointment.